Leyland Adventures Chapter Thirteen: Part Twelve

"Hmm, thanks for the meal. I think I'm ready to head out to Kanpoi's Edge now." Tysashi said, stepping away from the table.

Marissa wished him luck during his bout with Malodan, seeing him exit the castle.

"Is your daughter still asleep?" Alfred questioned.

"She is. Must've been that tedious adventure she went on yesterday. Drained my little girl out. When she wakes up, please let her know she doesn't have to do anything today. I'll be running some errands in the meantime."

"Yes, understood."

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Finally reaching the beach, Tysashi found himself in need of Tropical Miku Berries. Unfortunately, the shop was closed.

"My shop isn't open right now, Tysashi. It opens up a little later. Lemme guess, you're here for Tropical Miku Berries?" Lily asked.

"Heh, yeah. I need a few berries since I'm heading to Kanpoi's Edge to defeat Malodan."

"Ooo, Kanpoi's Edge. That's pretty far from here. You'll need to get permission to use a boat or have someone drive you out to sea. Fortunately, I know a special friend who would be more than willing to take you. That way, you don't have to go through the overly long process. I'll get the berries and then we can head out."

"While that sounds fantastic, do you think you'll have enough time to get back?"

"It's my hut, silly. It'll stay closed for as long as I want it to; I just have to make sure it's open before the day ends." Gaining access inside, she acquired a basket of berries before locking the shop back up.

"Don't worry about paying for them. You're about to fight Malodan, and that's a humongous task. Well then, let's get going!" She smiled with a peppy tone.

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"So Tysashi, have you completely adjusted to Leyland yet?"

"Yeah, I guess. There's plenty of things I still don't understand, but I'm gradually learning. I rented some books from the library in Orchtune to help me out." He replied with a hand swimming through his hair.

"Ah, that's nice. I'm glad everything is working out just fine. Keep in mind that if you need any help, you'll always have me."

Her walking fingertips scaled the smooth, tepid mountain that is his arm. Tysashi paid no mind to her obvious signs of flirting, instead choosing to alter the matter.

"So Lily, about what happened with you and Susana. Could you explain why she's angry at you? You're both my friends, and I would hate to see you guys treat each other this way."

"That's very sweet of you to say! You know, if Susana told you, she'd probably tell you a fairy tale. Get it? Fairy tale, because she's a fairy and she might lie to you." Few giggles were sprinkled within her sentence.

He lazily chuckled at her humor, forcing himself to make the tiniest laugh.

"Well, I thought it was funny. Anyway, we were in high school together. During our theater class, our stage director picked me for a super important role Susana wanted. Susana got upset and decided to break all contact with me. The reason why I was chosen, he considered me the prettier girl. Speaking of attractiveness, whose cuter, her or me?"

With that question, his face flashed red as his heart raced. A lump had clogged his throat before he swallowed. "I don't think that's much of a fair question. Personally, I think you're both incredibly attractive in your own ways."

"I see, ok next question. If you didn't have a girlfriend, would you rather date, Susana or me?"

"Ok, now these questions are turning into a debate. I like both of you equally."

"Hey now, it was just an innocent question. Anyway, we're here."

Waves of fairies were seen passing between the petite buildings which varied in color. The cobblestone pathway led them into the area, gazing upon the lively scenery. The intoxicating breeze of sea spread across the mellow winds. Because of the smaller area compared to the other locations, the two were able to reach the harbor quickly.

A refreshing variety of sea vehicles laid comfortably out on the calm waters, bobbing to the moderate tempo of the sea. Birds flew around joyfully, singing a song of bliss. A woman with lovely light skin stood silently on the docks, her captain dress contained a beautiful combo of white and pink. Her lustrous hair matched Aradressa's in every category besides length. Her wings were in the shape of a dragonfly, gorgeous nonetheless.

Lily called out her name, having the attractive woman orbit her head.

"Lily!" With ecstasy bubbling in her body, her hands snaked around Lily's waist. She was so overjoyed that she didn't even notice Tysashi until a little later.

"Oh hey, you're Tysashi Aerosmith! You've gained quite the reputation with your battle with Jackal and your other deeds, congratulations! As you probably know, I'm Livia. Lily has told me plenty of amazing things about you."

"Heh, I'm sure she did."

"So Lily, did you come here just to visit or do you need something?"

"I'm not the one in need. Tysashi needs to travel to Swealie Sea to encounter Malodan. Are you able to take him out there?"

"I absolutely can! Today has been extremely slow, so we can start quickly. Quick question, did Tysashi get verbal approval to seek Malodan? And if he did, does he have a shard to prove it?"

"Oh- I don't have a shard, but she definitely gave me approval."

Lily confirmed his statement, retelling the tale of his fierce battle with the Dragoneel.

"Well then, please follow me." Livia led them to the docks where the marvelous, small white boat in perfect condition.

"Alright Tysashi, you can get on as soon as you're ready." Livia said as she prepared the engine.

"Just a question, we'll be safe out there right?"

"Of course! Livia has been trained to eliminate any stress her passengers may have. You'll be fine out there." Lily answered, ruffling his hair. This, of course, left him with a head of disorganized hair. She then handed him the basket.

Not wanting to waste any time, he joined her in the boat. Informing Livia he was ready, she waved goodbye to Lily as she set the boat into motion. Lily returned the wave, watching the two ride off into the distance.

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The breeze of the wind carried the salty scent of the sea. As the water was split by the boat, Tysashi gazed out to the sea. The atmosphere sent waves of nostalgia to his head, reminiscing about his vacation and the friends he made. Although he preferred the silence at the moment, Livia certainly didn't.

"Hey Tysashi, is everything okay right now? You know, adapting to Leyland?"

His heart made a short leap before returning to the present. "Yeah, I'm doing just fine. It's really fun learning about this place. I guess I'm just starting to miss my brother, girlfriend, and friends. They have no idea where I am, or if I'm even alive. I'm worried how they're handling the situation. What's worse is my brother is probably dealing with everyone's emotions and blaming him for it."

"Aww, I'm sorry you're going through all that. I'm sure they haven't given up on your return just like how you haven't given up on them."

"Don't feel too bad, the people I've met in Leyland help to numb the pain. And I'm definitely not giving up on them."

"That's lovely, I hope everything works out fi-"

Before she could conclude her sentence, the sonar picked up a target. Her usual radiant mood transitioned into a more distressed state as she identified the target. In response, the boat had reached a standstill.

"Umm Livia, is everything okay?" He asked with an eyebrow raised.

"E- everything is absolutely fine. I just need you and the boat to remain still for a moment."

As much as she attempted masking her fear, he could see right through her. "Ok then."

He surveyed the sea, no visible threat came into view. Livia checked the sonar and the target had completely disappeared from the signal. Deep breaths escaped from her lungs as she regained her hope.

"Okay...I think it's gone. I'm sure we can continue our jou-"

Just as her joy had returned to her, a gigantic worm-like creature leaped from the depths of the sea. It's scaled, purple skin glistened with sunshine thanks to the water. It's beady black eyes zoomed in on its prey with its tunnel of sharp teeth wide open. Livia was paralyzed with dismay, as if she lost all feeling in her body. Possessing the ability to resist paralyzes, he swiftly grabbed her, avoiding the powerful bite of the creature.

Livia squirmed in his hands as the coolish water consumed her clothing. Her hands slammed down on the water, splashing onto his face.

"Hey hey, Livia! It's ok, it's ok! I think I see an island in the distance; we'll be fine! Please bear with me!" Supporting her body close to his, he began swimming to guaranteed safety as the creature was occupied with consuming the boat.

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At last, they had reached land. He placed her dripping wet body on the parched sand. Now that she was safe, his body plummeted near hers. Breaths of exhaustion emerged from the both of them.

"We...made...it...Livia. Phew...that took a lot more out of me than I thought. At least we're safe now." He turned to her in hopes of a response, but all he could see was a dim light in her eyes. "L- Livia?"

"I- I failed." She said with a sufficient lack of energy in her voice, nearly sounding dead.

"Failed? Failed what? We got away just fine. I think whatever that was is gone now."

"No...I failed my job. I'm supposed to eliminate any stress that you may collect during the trip and I nearly got you killed. When that Shallow appeared on the sonar, I got scared because those creatures aren't supposed to make such an early appearance. They can only exist in much cooler waters but this one was found near Swealie Sea. When it attacked, I just stood there. I couldn't move, I couldn't breathe, I couldn't even think. Then you saved me and even swam us to safety during the event. If it wasn't for your bravery...you would've died...because of me."

He took a brief moment to examine the situation; taking everything she said into account. He could see the salty liquids forming in her eyes, immediately coming up with something which would prevent it.

"So Shallows only live in cooler areas, but this one somehow managed to survive in a much warmer climate. Sounds like to me you froze up because this was unexpected. It happens to everyone. You're not-"

"Stop blaming everything but me! I'm the problem, Tysashi! Because of me, the boat is in a wreck! We clearly can't swim back to the docks; we have no way of getting back! My phone is destroyed from the water, and I don't have enough endurance to use my wings to make the whole trip back! Not to mention when my boss finds out, I'm dead! I...I... I'm sorry. I didn't mean to yell, I'm just going through so much at once."

"Please tell me what's going on."

"Ever since I was a kid, I've dreamed of one day exploring the vast ocean. The unique organisms fascinated me. Unfortunately, it wasn't until my early adult years where I realized the ocean is just as dangerous as it is beautiful. At that period of my life, I had done so much work just to get this job. Not to mention Lily helped me score the job, I couldn't just let all her hard work go to waste. During my internship, I was taught how to defend passengers during different attacks by different creatures. Fortunately, I was never in a situation where I was attacked during my shift. However, I was constantly terrified and always feared the worse. Each and every day, I was drowning in anxiety. I wanted to quit, but I don't know where else I'd work. It'd be so awkward to transition from this job to a much safer one. I was never ready for this kind of pressure. After this disaster...I'm unsure if I want to continue working here."

"If you're not enjoying your job, then I definitely think you should move on. Plus, I think I can hook you up with a job. Have you heard about a place called Diner of Delights?"

"You mean that place where lonely men go to flirt with the waitresses?"

"Yeah, I know one of the waitresses there. I'm sure if I put in a good word for you, she'll get you hired."

"You'd do that for me? I...don't know what to say, but thank you. I'm sorry for laying my problems out of nowhere."

"It's fine. I just hope everything will work out."

As his eyes intersected with hers, her typical mood returned. Just then, the basket washed up on shore. Surprisingly, all its contents were present. Tysashi went to fetch it, proud that it survived. With the basket retrieved, a trail of bubbles was spotted approaching the island. He stepped back from the water, warning her. She took cover behind him as a fireball warmed in his hand.

Finally, the carnivorous critter shot its head from the water. The Shallow eyed them down with a look of famishment. Tysashi prepared himself for the worst, all that mattered is Livia's protection.

Before the starved beast could lunge towards his prey, a ball of mud attacked him. The brown liquid slid off its skin as the attacker revealed himself. Making eye contact with the Shallow, Malodan growled thunderously.

The Shallow analyzed the situation; either fight Malodan or enjoy a lovely snack. However, there was a chance of having a delicious dinner if he was to win against Malodan. If Malodan's incredible body didn't satisfy his hunger, then Tysashi and Livia would make for a scrumptious dessert.

Fueled by greed, he roared back, ready to commence the battle.

Sensing a brutal brawl, Tysashi took Livia away from the shore for safety measures.

Making the first move, Shallow turned invisible. He then submerged into the water with the intention of gaining an advantage.

Malodan spat mud across the water to grasp a visual cue. He felt the water erupting below him, leaping out the way. With his head covered in mud, Malodan had disabled the invisibility technique. Ready to attack, the gargantuan turtle hid in his shell, twirling in place before launching himself at the enemy. The slimy sea animal took himself underwater to push up against Malodan's underbelly, launching him upwards.

The Shallow gave chase, springing upwards after his meal. Malodan expelled a mighty burst of water from his mouth; Shallow was easily able to swim through the stream. Though he was aiming for Malodan's neck, he retreated into his shell. Finding another opening, he caught a tree from his shell with his teeth. Submitting to gravity, Shallow kept his grasp until his opponent released pink gas.

Gradually, his grip on the tree dwindled before finally letting go. Exiting his shell, Malodan sank his mouth into the Shallow and tossed him downwards. Upon the crash to the surface, an explosion of water flew into the air. As dirty droplets rained down, Shallow woke up. Just when he did, Malodan crashed back down. He stared down at the Shallow, growling softly. Admitting defeat, his opponent slithered away with an empty stomach.

"Did Malodan do that to protect us?" Livia inquired, peeking from Tysashi's back.

"I think so." He answered.

With the enemy absent, Malodan marched towards the island. The surface trembled under his weight. As he grew closer to Tysashi, his shadow loomed over the young boy. Water fell from his body as his head blocked the shining sun. He stared down at the teen, extending his neck towards him. Livia's vibrations shook his shoulders while he remained cool and collected. He then turned his attention to the basket of fruit, sniffing in the irresistible aroma. He immediately came to the conclusion that Malodan wanted the fruit without further conflict.

In order to test his theory, he asked Malodan to swing his neck if he could understand him. Of course, he followed the orders given to him. With this information, Tysashi knew a proposition could be made. The deal went as followed, Tysashi would hand up the entire basket if Malodan would release his shard. The guardian pondered the deal, eventually accepting it. The vines surrounding the shard retracted, causing the shard to drop on the sand. He then backed away from the shard so that Tysashi could obtain it. Now with the shard in possession, the basket was rewarded to Malodan. He consumed the berries in an instant, yet it satisfied the courageous creature. Malodan even rubbed its head against Tysashi's to which he massaged its head.

Even with Malodan's friendliness, Livia choose to keep her distance. His outstanding size still introduced fear into her mind. However, Tysashi didn't have such a weakness.

"Hey Malodan, do you think you could give us a lift to Kanpoi's Edge? The boat we came on got...eaten."

Without hesitancy, he lowered his head to allow the two on his neck. Tysashi quickly got into a comfortable position, inviting Livia to join.

"Come on, Livia! Malodan is gonna give us a ride back!"

"Umm...I'm still scared. I'm sorry, but I just can't." Suffocating in her own embarrassment, she turned her back, unable to face them.

Malodan, having none of it, picked her up by the mouth and began the trip back to Kanpoi's Edge. She screamed excessively and squirmed like a worm caught on a fish hook. However, this didn't make a difference for Malodan as he continued with the journey.